But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD. – Joshua 24:15

Archive for the ‘Community Outreach’ Category

One for the album – awesome moments enjoyed by the children from Gereja Methodist Tudan!

by James TC Wong

I was in for a surprise when I received a call from my friend yesterday. “James, I know this is very last minute but can you help me invite 20 children from needy families? Pullman would like to treat them to a scrumptious buffet,” Pat requested.

My heart warmed as her words resonated in my mind. “Of course, I can. Give me an hour to get back to you,” I replied.

Opened for business in April 2016, the prestigious Pullman Waterfront is the only international 5-star hotel in Miri known for its warm hospitality, excellent services and facilities. I was told by Pat that the hotel, during this Yuletide season, would be hosting a Christmas buffet for the first time for underprivileged children, as well as the kids from Methodist Children’s Home.

I quickly contacted Pastor Nicholas Tan of Gereja Methodist Tudan, telling him the invitation. He thanked me and asked for time to make arrangement. Shortly, the good shepherd called to confirm that the church would be sending 17 children, accompanied by 2 adults.

With Christmas just 4 days away, Pullman’s generosity has reminded me of 2 Cor 8:7 (KJV): Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

Before 5 p.m., Pastor called again. Can we add in two more kids because we had a short count, he asked. In haste, I told him no because we had confirmed the attendance figure with the hotel already. After the phone call, my heart felt heavy. I called up Pat again and told her the Pastor’s request. Why not, she said without hesitation, count them in!

Pastor was elated when I relayed him the latest update. Unbeknownst to me, Pastor subsequently revealed that he would be forced to make a difficult choice of leaving two kids out had the host was not magnanimous.

I’m truly glad. An act of generosity given and extended – Christ was glorified!

Lord Jesus, you meet our needs in surprising ways sometimes. Continue to use us often to do that for others .

The narrative of this journey first began in the year 2002 when then the pastor-in-charge of Grace Methodist Church Rev. Law Hui Seng, and a small team of like-minded church volunteers shared the same vision to start the Boys’ Brigade (BB).

“I can still remember it was a great struggle for us. We went to Sri Mawar Primary School to recruit. We had just a handful of boys joining us initially,” commented Rev. Law. “We held our weekly parade at the school and subsequently we moved the parade to the church.”

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Our appreciation also goes to our other past two Captains; Clement Chin and Andy Chew who were dedicated to the BB ministry. Past and present, we also extend our thanks to our fellow officers and helpers who braved to undertake such a challenging ministry.

A big ‘Thank You’ to Rev. Law Hui Seng for his ‘never-give-up’ attitude to introduce BB to SJK (C) Chung Hua Pujut. Despite getting rejected by the school in 2008, Rev. Law never gave up hope. The good shepherd, as I remember, encouraged the congregation to pray earnestly during the weekly prayer night for acceptance. The breakthrough came two years later. The increase to the Boys’ membership greatly motivated and encouraged us!

Following Rev. Law, the next pastor-in-charge in GMC was Rev. Lisa Ting. Rev. Lisa during her four-year tenure, encouraged the BB ministry enthusiastically and never once missed our Enrollment Sunday!

By ﻿God’s grace, my wife Roseline became the fourth Captain in the year 2010. Since 2015, she has been appointed as the State Secretary in the Executive Committee of The Boys’ Brigade Sarawak State Council. Presently Sarawak has 40 Companies with more than 4,000 Members.

In 2015, after many prayers and with God’s grace, Capt. Roseline was able to introduce BB to SMK Dato Permaisuri. We were overjoyed because it meant that our ministry covers three clusters; one church-based and two schools.

MIRI – Finding the perfect way to spend a birthday can be sometimes difficult but I was absolutely floored last Friday by the warm reception at Senadin Methodist Preaching Centre (SMPC).

It is no secret that my church volunteers and I have serving Love Soup to Curtin University undergraduates since 2010. And last Friday (June 9, my birthday) was coincidentally chosen by SMPC’s Rev Jabez Tiong when he planned the church calendar of activities early this year.

Much to our delight, ten congregational members from SMPC also cooked chicken soup this time! Since this act was unsolicited and unprecedented, we rejoiced to see our ministry bearing charge.

I also had the privilege to invite Rev George Wong, the former Sarawak State Boys’ Brigade Chaplain and his wife to attend the function. The good shepherd delivered a short speech thanking Rev Jabez (the pastor-in-charge) and added that it was a blessing to be part of the Love Soup event for the first time.

Rev Jabez (left) being served by Rev George.

Also attending the event for the first time was Anna Ngan, a Curtin Foundation Year student from Sibu. She shared: “It was very interesting; a nice experience and memorable for me. Even though I don’t like eating meat but still I ate a lot. Thanks to all the uncles and aunties for preparing various types of chicken soup. It’s very delicious and I loved it. Lastly, thanks to my beloved Jesus for making this event successful. Now I have motivation to burn midnight oil to study hard. God bless us, Amen!”

Curtin undergrad Brian Chew from Kuching enjoying the chicken soup.

“Being away from home, the Love Soup brings a taste of delicious home-cooked food for the outstation students. At home, my mother would often prepare nutritious chicken soup before my examination. This Love Soup reminds us that there are people out there who still care for the students,” said Curtin Third Year Mechanical Engineering Stephen Pan.

Look, no more soup left! Photo by Tang Xin Yi.

“I enjoyed the chicken soup very much, and the best part of it was I could try various types of chicken soup. Thanks to uncle and aunties so much for putting effort on this event and reduce homesickness of us. Love to see the satisfied faces with smiles enjoying the nourishing chicken soup! Looking forward to every Love Soup event although that means final exam is coming,” commented Irene Ngu, a Third Year Electrical Engineering Curtin undergraduate from Bintulu.

Their smiles say it all!

Before the Love Soup ended, Irene, who was also the event coordinator, surprised me with a slice of birthday cake with everyone singing the birthday song.

Never before had I ever felt the sheer joy of serving others on my birthday as fulfilling as this one. It was then a singular moment to express a lifetime of gratitude and glorifying Christ Jesus!

Organized by AGMPC, the talk was primarily intended to create safety awareness among the youth and children.

I was delighted to see the good turnout which meant that people care about combating crime and crime prevention.

Prior to introducing the speaker, Frederick Wong warmly welcomed the attendees. Being a former Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) Officer, Wong also mentioned that most people take safety and security for granted, and cautioned against doing so.

In his self-introduction, speaker PDRM DSP Ang Seow Aun mentioned his credentials and his working experience. Following that, he briefly talked about the roles of Police Officers and how they play the central role in the law enforcement system, monitor criminal activity, take part in community patrols, respond to emergency calls, issue tickets, make arrests, investigate crimes and testify in court as needed.

Good turnout for the talk.

DSP Ang also elaborated on a “Crime Triangle”, which has a combination of three basic elements; opportunity, target and culprit. Based on a target plan, PDRM is working hard toward Zero Tolerance Policing, added DSP Ang.

“We have also formed Community Policing in Miri and I praise the successful Neighborhood Watch Groups especially the JKP Pujut Adong,” said DSP Ang.

DSP Ang also announced the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP), a free app available for download. “When witnessing a crime or an accident, and you can swiftly alert police through this app,” DSP Ang pointed out. Just launched on March 25 this year, the public can now easily provide first-hand or on-the-spot information by uploading photos or videos of accidents, crimes or disasters that require emergency response.

Before concluding his talk, DSP Ang also talked about Citizens’ rights, Internet frauds, Business and Recruitment (Jobs) deceits, Counterfeit cheque scams, Spoofing/Phishing frauds, Ponzi/Pyramid frauds, and How to be safe from internet frauds. “We are also working hard to regain and instill public confidence in PDRM and we are seeking your co-operation and help to combat crime,” DSP Ang said as he ended his session.

The floor was open to Q and A before the session ended with light refreshments.

Welcome

By God’s grace, I am blessedly married for 34 years now with two grown sons, a daughter-in-law and a happy granddaughter. This is, what I consider to be, the greatest achievement in my life.

In my leisure, I enjoy blogging about my real-life experiences. I’m also a food enthusiast and I love cooking for my family and close friends. Who knows, one day, you might be invited to a home-cooked meal at my house, lol!